Infection of humans[edit]
The bacterium is an opportunistic human pathogen, capitalizing on its ability to form tight-knit surface communities called biofilms wherever it can.[3] S. marcescens is thought to be transmitted through hand-to-hand transmission by hospital personnel.[3] In the hospital, Serratia species tend to colonize the respiratory and urinary tracts, rather than the gastrointestinal tract, in adults. Serratia infection is responsible for about 2% of nosocomial infections of the bloodstream, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, surgical wounds, and skin and soft tissues in adult patients. Outbreaks of S. marcescens meningitis, wound infections, and arthritis have occurred in pediatric wards.[6]
Cases of Serratia arthritis have been reported in outpatients receiving intra-articular injections.